The Ice Cream Maker has become an important appliance in today's kitchen. Ice Cream Makers come in different sizes and colours to compliment your kitchen and other home appliances. These machines help you create the exact flavour and texture you want and often with less than 45minutes preparation time.

Some of the ice cream makers we feature:

Cuisinart - One of the best manufacturers of ice cream makers today. Starting from around £70 up to the high end home models that have a professional compressor system that means there is no need to pre-freeze the bowl. Delicious gourmet ice cream, frozen yoghurts and sorbets are very easy to produce. We highly recommend the Cuisinart ice cream makers. It's we we use here! Click here to see the Cuisinart Ice Cream Makers range

Gaggia - Ice cream that is so easy and quick to produce from a fine Italian manufacturer. Click here for Gaggia Ice Cream Machines

Kenwood - Fine home made ice cream made easy. We ice cream makers starting from under £30, these are ever popular makers and great way to produce quality ice cream. Click here to view the Kenwood Ice Cream Makers

Magimix - Another manufacturer of great ice cream makers. These start with affordable models that require pre-freezing through to high end machines that have their own compressors. Great ice cream makers! Click here to see the Magimix Ice Cream Makers

Philips - Good quality icecream makers that are both great value and super easy to use. Around the £50 mark, these machines will have you and your family eating great ice cream in no time at all. Click to visit the Philips Ice Cream Makers

Ice Cream Makers

Choosing your own ingredients gives you the possibility of healthy options plus control over the ingredients and additives used - especially useful for people with allergies. Homemade ice cream is a great way to boost your 5-a-day intake when made with fresh fruit. It's fun, especially for kids who are usually only too eager to come up with suggestions for new flavours. You can have fresh ice cream whenever you like often within 45 minutes.

Using an ice-cream machine is quite straightforward. You pour your pre-chilled mix into your machine, which simultaneously churns and freezes it. Churning mixes in air and stops ice crystals from forming. Most makers have a viewing window so you can watch the transformation occurring. After about 30-40 minutes, creamy, soft ice cream is all yours. In most cases, you can pop it in your freezer to stiffen it up a bit before it's truly ready. It's easy to tell when it is ready. The paddle will stop, or struggle to turn as the ice cream thickens. You then switch off the machine.

One huge advantage of having an ice-cream machine is that you can make an infinite range of recipes. As well as traditional ices, you can make sorbet and granita (a slushy dessert) or try using tofu, fromage frais or yogurt.

To ensure you make full use of these handy appliances, here are some things that you should consider before making a purchase.

Size/Capacity of the Ice Cream Maker - Although many makers have a 0.7 litre capacity, there are some which can make over double this amount. Careful consideration should there be given to choosing a size which meets your needs.

Pre-Freezing Bowl or Built-in Freezer - Most reasonably priced ice cream makers have a removable bowl which you have to pre-freeze before it can be used. Make sure you check the product information as to how long the bowl must be frozen for and if you feel you'd rather not have to pre-plan making ice cream in advance, you should opt for a model which has a built-in freezer.

Cycle Time - Most product can freeze-churn ice cream mixture within 20 to 30 minutes however you should carefully check the product description for the estimated timescale.

Spare Parts - Check to see if the manufacturer offers spare parts in particular paddles or extra freezer bowls which can be handy to have as back-ups.

Extras - Check the product descriptions when you are choosing your product to see whether or not any extra items are included such as a pouring jug, spatula or a recipe book. A recipe book specifically relating to the model being purchased is particularly useful as it will give you a general guide as to ingredient amounts which you can then use to modify other ice cream recipes you may have.